Last week, members of the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Pier 909 Restaurant to recognize accomplishments in 2025.

“It is because of your steadfast support and continued loyalty to each other, along with the Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Colonial Beach, that our businesses and the Town are seeing continued growth, prosperity, and increased tourism,” said Carey Geddes, the Chamber’s President and owner of Beach Service Center.

Geddes introduced a number of honored guests, such as Deputy Jacob McKnight who was awarded Deputy Sheriff of the Year, 1st Sergeant Antwan Smith of the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, Colonial Beach Police Chief Les Parsons, Officer of the Year Nathan Romias, and several other award winners: Sunflower Restaurant (Business of the Year), Jennell Johnson of Cruisin’ Tikis Colonial Beach (Business Person of the Year), and Aiden Trest of ACR Creations (Future Business Leader of the Year).

“These individuals work collaboratively with the Chamber to ensure the prosperity of Colonial Beach,” continued Geddes.

Geddes gave a quick overview of the events that the Chamber sponsored over the course of 2025. These ranged from an Easter egg hunt at Town Hill and the 7th Annual Osprey Festival to Bikefest, the Northern Neck Beach Music Festival, the Water Fest, Rod Run to the Beach, the Potomac River Festival, and more, including the sponsorship of $1,000 in scholarships for Colonial Beach High School students.

Over the course of the year, the Chamber gained 22 new members, increasing its headcount to 224. It also sought and obtained three Virginia Tourism Corporation grants—$20,000 for Bikefest and $5,000 each for the Potomac River Festival and the Arts & Craft Festival.

The Chamber helped financially support the Osprey Festival and the Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department. It also coordinated three ribbon‑cutting ceremonies last year, celebrating the openings of Kimmie Ann Bait & Tackle, Bill Britt Motors, and the CB Creative Art Center. Several ribbon cuttings are planned for this year as well.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend tonight’s award celebration and dinner. Your continued support of the Chamber is essential to our success. Working together, we can continue to make Colonial Beach a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.”

All present unanimously voted to keep the current leadership for the Chamber in their positions.

Photo: R. Burrell